Sleep Disorders
If you experience any of the symptoms associated with sleep disorders, consult your physician to determine if you need the attention of a sleep center. Some of the most common sleep disorders include:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The most common sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by a disruption in the air flow of the nose and mouth, which initiates periodic episodes of non-breathing during sleep. Usually accompanied by snoring, this disorder causes the sleeper to repeatedly wake up and go back to sleep again. Since obstructive sleep apnea diminishes sleep time, the sleeper awakens with a weariness that greatly influences their actions throughout the day.
Obstructive sleep apnea can also result in an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, obesity, and in some serious circumstances, death.
Common Symptoms:
- Snoring
- Choking, gasping or snorting during sleep
- Recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep
- Frequently waking up throughout the night
- Day-time sleepiness despite adequate sleep time
- Headaches and fatigue upon awakening
Narcolepsy
A chronic neurological disorder, narcolepsy impairs the process of regulating sleep patterns in the central nervous system, therefore disrupting the ability to stay awake or fall asleep. It is the second-leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness after obstructive sleep apnea. Evidence suggests that the condition is genetic.
Common Symptoms:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Uncontrollable periods of sleep during the day
- Loss of muscle control during the day
- Hallucinations while falling asleep or waking
- Sleep paralysis
- Automatic muscle behavior
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
PLMD is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements during sleep, ranging from a small amount in the toes to wild flailing of all four limbs. More common in the legs than the arms, these movements accumulate into episodes that last from a few minutes to several hours.
Common Symptoms:
- Various levels of flexing and twitching of the muscles and limbs during sleep. (as observed by bed partners)
- Partial or full awakenings that disrupt sleep
- Irritation or uncomfortable sensations upon going to sleep, or after awakening during the night
- Restless sleep
- Hot or cold feet in the morning
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome causes discomfort in the legs. To relieve this discomfort, those who suffer from RLS are constantly faced with the uncontrollable urge to move their legs throughout the night, and frequently have trouble maintaining sleep.
Common Symptoms:
- Pain or nagging sensations in the legs, sometimes characterized as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling
- An uncontrollable urge to get up and move around
- Discomfort when lying down or sitting for prolonged periods of time
- Sudden, involuntary leg or arm movements during sleep
- Frequently waking up throughout the night
Insomnia
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay sleep for a reasonable amount of time. This disorder is not defined by the amount of sleep one gets nor how quickly one falls asleep, but by the quality of sleep achieved.
Common Symptoms:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking frequently during the night or early morning
- Not feeling refreshed after sleep
- Feeling exhausted after sleep
- Daytime tiredness and lack of energy
- Inability to concentrate
- Irritability